Bowles shows his versatility

Ben Drewe
Sports editor
Ben studied the double degree of journalism/sport and recreation at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst. During this time he did a bit of work for the Western Advocate in Bathurst. Upon completion of tertiary studies Ben spent four years at the Central Western Daily in Orange, New South Wales before joining The Chronicle in February 2010.

The former Toowoomba junior made his first appearance in the A-League off the bench, earned his first start and has now scored his first goal.

Bowles was thrust into a right wing role for Gold Coast's away clash against Newcastle last Friday night and he made an immediate impact, scoring a well-taken first half goal to give United a 1-0 lead.

He received a through ball just outside the 18-yard box, took two touches and then calmly slotted it past Jets goalkeeper Ben Kennedy from just inside the box.

The 20-year-old found out the day before the match he would not be playing his customary right-back role but quipped he was always confident he could do the job as goalkeepers and defenders tend to think they can do better than strikers when given a shot up front.

"It was a good experience for myself playing out of position playing higher up the park," he said.

"I thought I was off-side at the time but it fell for me."

The goal is not only a pleasant career first but also shows other clubs the attacking talents of the young off-contract defender.

Bowles joined Gold Coast on a one-year deal last off-season so while there was uncertainty over the playing futures of many of his team mates, the former St Albans and South Hawks junior always needed to secure a new contract at season's end.

He indicated yesterday there were other clubs in the A-League interested in his services but he was keen to stay with Gold Coast should the club's future become secure beyond the final two games of the season.

"I've got a few things lined up at the moment but I'm waiting to see what happens with Gold Coast," Bowles said.

He is hopeful of securing a contract in Australia and says staying in the A-League for the foreseeable future is the right thing for his career despite the attraction for young players to find an overseas club.